City Ordinance on Temporary Signs

City Ordinance on Temporary Signs

Illegal Signs Being Removed

The enforcement of the City ordinance governing temporary signs in public rights-of-way is being increased. Sign owners are asked to remove their signs placed within public rights-of-way to prevent them from being removed by City staff.

What types of signs are considered to be temporary?

There are several types of signs controlled by this ordinance. This includes for-sale signs, garage sale signs, work being done onsite signs and other signs that are temporary rather than permanent. While campaign signs during elections are also temporary, those are protected from this ordinance by election rules.

Where can temporary signs be placed legally?

Temporary signs can be placed on private property and not in public rights-of-way. Public rights-of-way vary in size. It may be difficult to know where the line between private property and public right-of-way is. Due to the variations in how public rights-of-way are established, there are no set guidelines that apply to all lot configurations consistently. Therefore, no map is available showing all of Owatonna’s rights-of-way. A helpful guide showing examples of illegal signs is available at owatonna.gov.

What happens with signs that violate the ordinance?

Signs in violation are removed by City staff. During this increased enforcement period, illegal signs are being temporarily stored at the Parks Maintenance Facility at 1140 Industrial Road. Sign owners can retrieve their signs there between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays through noon on Friday, October 17. At that time, unclaimed signs will be disposed of. The ordinance will continue to be enforced on an ongoing basis with illegal signs being disposed of immediately and not stored temporarily.

Where can additional information be found?

City Ordinance 153.08 which is the part of City Code in the Title XV: Land Usage section that restricts the placement of signage in rights-of-way and boulevards without a permit. The ordinance provides guidelines for signs within city limits to “protect and promote health, safety, general welfare and order” which helps ensure city boulevards maintain safe sightlines for drivers and pedestrians. It also helps maintain aesthetics in the community. It states, “No signs other than governmental signs shall be erected or temporarily placed within any street right-of-way or upon any public lands or easements or rights-of-way.” For additional information, visit Planning & Zoning | Owatonna, MN at Owatonna.gov.